Greg Winkler column: Soccer board making progress

I have been back on the Fond du Lac Soccer board for two months now and in that short time I have been able to get a pretty good feel for the people that are trying to make youth soccer the best possible experience for your child.

This is a very committed group of soccer people and I think you will be pleasantly surprised when the board gets ready to announce the sign-up for the 2013 season.

The board will be working hard to continue some of the positive things that took place last summer and bring about some fresh and new ideas. It will be time to sign-up before you know it. There will be more information in upcoming articles of "Soccer Shorts".

Our Fondy Girls who play for UW-Stevens Point had a nice run in the conference tournament. Jessica Ruch scored in the last five minutes of the semifinal to tie the game at 1-1 and then scored in overtime to put the Pointers in the WIAC Final against Whitewater. Whitewater had beaten the Pointers 4-0 just a few weeks before and thought they probably had an easy game for the final. Point proved to be a tough match but the Warhawks prevailed 1-0 and sent the Point girls home. Congrats on a nice run ladies, you made your hometown proud and there were many young soccer girls pulling for you.

Have you been watching the MLS playoffs? And why not? Have you been watching the English Premier League or the Champions League? Those games have been on NBCSports, ESPN, and Fox Soccer. Remember you not only get better by practicing but you can also get better by watching good soccer .

Check your TV guide there are MLS playoff games on tonight, Friday, and Saturday. I am giving you permission to sit on the couch and watch a game.

The U.S. Men's National Team will play in Russia on Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. on ESPN.

It should be a good test, I haven't seen the roster yet, it will be interesting to see if Coach Klinsman tries some new faces as he looks to set his World Cup qualifying roster as they begin the semi-final phase of qualifying in February. The Women will play on Nov. 28 in Oregon, where they will play Ireland at 5 p.m. on Fox Soccer.

It is not too late to look into a Do-it-All league. They are looking for teams to play from U12 on up. The next closest indoor facility is Neenah or Uihlein Park off Good Hope Road in Menomonee Falls.

We want our kids to play and it is always nicer when playing doesn't include a 50-minute drive. We have to get teams out there or the leagues fold up. It is a great time and a fast-paced game.

Enjoy the weekend and take advantage of a Packer bye week. I think I will go spend some time at a water-park and go down a few slides.